🪖 Airsoft Squads 101: Roles, Weapons & Real Tactics for Milsim Beginners

In airsoft—especially during Milsim games—your squad is everything. It’s not just about individual skills, but how you operate as a unit. Whether you’re charging objectives or defending a base, success depends on team coordination, squad structure, and battlefield roles.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about running and joining an effective airsoft squad.

1. Why Squad Structure Matters in Airsoft

In Milsim, squads act like small military units—each member has a dedicated role, a job to do, and gear to match. Without a clear structure, things fall apart fast.

A typical squad includes 6–12 players, and each role brings something critical to the mission.

2. Core Squad Roles & Responsibilities

🧠 Squad Leader (SL)

• Weapon: Mid-range carbine (M4 or AK variant)

• Gear: Radio, map, squad roster, notebook

• Responsibility: Tactical decisions, mission updates, maintaining discipline

• Pro Tip: Be clear, calm, and confident—your squad will follow your tone.

🎯 Rifleman

• Weapon: Standard AEG (M4, G36C, AK, etc.)

• Responsibility: Core firepower, adaptable to any task

• Pro Tip: Stay mobile, follow commands, and maintain cover.

🔥 Automatic Rifleman (Support Gunner)

• Weapon: M249 SAW, RPK, or LMG platform

• Responsibility: Lay suppressive fire to control enemy movement

• Pro Tip: Position wisely—your fire controls the field.

🔭 Designated Marksman (DMR)

• Weapon: Upgraded semi-auto with scope (SR25, M14, etc.)

• Responsibility: Long-range fire, overwatch for squad movements

• Pro Tip: Keep distance, but stay close enough for squad comms.

⛑️ Medic

• Weapon: Compact SMG or sidearm

• Responsibility: Revive teammates (varies per ruleset), keep squad in the fight

• Pro Tip: Stay light and fast. You're the squad's lifeline.

📡 Radio Operator (RTO)

• Weapon: Carbine or rifle

• Responsibility: Relay messages between squad and HQ/command

• Pro Tip: Maintain radio etiquette—short, clear, and mission-focused.

3. Gear by Role (Quick Guide)

4. Real Squad Tactics (Single Squad)

Fire & Maneuver

• One team lays fire, the other flanks or moves

• Great for suppressing enemies in fixed positions

Patrol Formations

• Column: Great for trails or CQB

• Wedge: Balanced movement for open areas

• Diamond: All-around defense, ideal for recon

Room Clearing

• Breach in teams of 2 or 4

• Communicate entry points, sectors of fire, and fall-back options

5. Double Squad Tactics (Squad A & Squad B)

Overwatch & Assault

• Squad A finds high ground and suppresses

• Squad B uses the chaos to move up or flank

Leapfrogging

• Both squads alternate roles: one moves while the other covers

• Keeps the entire team moving forward safely

Ambush Coordination

• Squad A scouts ahead

• Squad B sets up ambush based on intel

Pro Tip: Double-squad tactics require more comms—make sure both Squad Leaders sync often.

6. Realistic Expectations for New Players

• Don’t expect to play Rambo—follow your role

• Mistakes happen; debrief and learn after every mission

• Respect the chain of command—it’s there to win the game, not boss people around

Final Thought: Why Squad 101 Matters

Mastering Squad 101 is more than just knowing roles and tactics—it's about building trust, communication, and cohesion. Whether you're flanking an objective or holding a defensive line, your squad is your lifeline. Learn together, train together, and move as one. That’s what turns a group of players into an effective fighting force.

Did we miss any role? let us know in the comments.